Last Updated on September 26, 2023 2:21 pm
LINVILLE, N.C. – Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is set to begin its annual Fall Color Ramble, marking one of the most beautiful times of the year. This series of guided nature walks allows guests to experience the season’s signature colors like never before.
The Fall Color Rambles will take place daily, weather permitting, starting Saturday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 8. Beginning at 1 p.m., the short excursions typically last for 30 minutes. As the starting locations will vary day to day based on the foliage, visitors should inquire at the park’s Entrance Gate or the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery upon arrival.
Then, on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., an All-Day Fall Color Ramble will take place featuring a full day of fall color activities, including naturalist talks and additional rambles, allowing guests the opportunity to explore and admire the splendor of Grandfather Mountain.
Fall Color Rambles are included with the price of admission.
“Because of the extensive range of color-changing tree species on the mountain, Grandfather is one of the best leaf-looking destinations in this part of the country,” Lauren Farrell, interpretation and education programs manager for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, said. “The fall season here is truly stunning, and each year, we are very excited to be able to share this spectacle with our guests.”
Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad plants and hardwood trees, ranging from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests can learn about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.
Participants can also become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful spots on the mountain.
“The fall color experience is so special for our visitors because each day offers something unique,” said John Caveny, director of conservation and education for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
Due to the mountain’s dramatic elevation change, visitors can see fall color on display throughout the entire month of October, and possibly beyond, as the season unfolds through the valleys below. However, the first two weeks of the month, during what is traditionally the time of peak fall color on Grandfather, present a special opportunity to come and develop a new appreciation for the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
In addition to the programs offered inside the nature park in October, fresh fall color photos are posted throughout the month on the mountain’s website and social media (@grandfathermtn), including Facebook, X / Twitter and Instagram.
To learn more about the Fall Color Ramble at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/fall-color-ramble.
It is strongly recommended that guests book tickets to the park online in advance of visiting during the busy fall season at www.grandfather.com/tickets.
The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com.
